By Lonnie the Theater Lady
Playwright Joanna McClelland Glass’s play “Trying” is based on her experiences working for Judge Frances Biddle as his personal assistant at his Georgetown office in 1967-1968. Biddle served as Attorney General for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and later as the chief judge of the military tribunal for the Nuremberg Trials.
This two-hander explores the relationship between the exasperating, impatient Judge Biddle (Keith Zagorski) and his young, newly hired employee, Sarah Short. (Samantha Hawk)
Note: Playwright Glass and character Sarah Short are both from Saskatchewan, and both have bullying, alcoholic fathers.
On her first day of employment, the judge lets Sarah know how weak and unworthy his former secretaries were. He insinuates that her young age likely means she won’t be much better than they were. He makes a point of telling her where the bathroom is so she can go there when she needs to cry. He instructs her about his expectations. Including proper thermos placement on the table, never touching the gas heaters that heat his chilly office, and other inconsequential instructions. Sarah is interested in her actual job duties and repeatedly asks about them. The judge is more interested in discussing trivialities and intimidating her.
Sarah proves to be a worthy opponent when faced with the judge’s domineering, contradictory behaviors. She calls herself a “prairie populist” who knows when to “lace up her skates and hit the ice!” She’s resilient and doesn’t hesitate to tell the cantankerous, trying judge, “There is some shit I will not eat,” when his bullying crosses the line. (Just one of the very funny one-liners that are sprinkled throughout the show.)
Biddle knows his death is imminent and claims, “The exit light is flashing over the door, and the door is ajar.” This knowledge, along his frustration when he has one of his less lucid days, adds urgency to his wish to finish his memoirs, respond to correspondence, and reconcile his checkbook. All of this makes Sarah’s already difficult job even more difficult. The judge fusses grumpily and incessantly over split infinitives, speedwriting versus the Gregg method of shorthand, and other insignificant things.
Gradually, their relationship shifts, and they begin to trust each other and develop a mutual respect that grows into affection.
Zagorski is extraordinary as the curmudgeonly judge. His physical portrayal of the aging, weakening older man impresses with its unflagging consistency. It is a nuanced performance showing the contradictory traits of his character. His bluster often covers up his fear and frustration while exposing his vulnerability. He connects with the audience because most can relate to a loved one in a similar situation.
Hawk’s depiction of the young yet mature, strong-minded, determined Sarah is pitch-perfect. Her palpable frustration, as she outwardly performs with patience, feels authentic and totally relatable. As strong as she is, there is a scene when we see her very human side, making her even more likable in her momentary frailty. Well done!
Kudos to director Sunny Disney Fitchett, who colors subtle changes in the characters’ tone as their relationship develops. It makes their devotion to each other touchingly authentic. The actors never break character —even during scene changes on the darkened stage.
Every detail in this show is carefully thought out. The intricately designed set is without fault. The cluttered office desks complement the dialogue. When the bathroom door opens, a 1960s-style green tiled bathroom wall with a black tile border is visible. (Mamie Stein, set designer)
The costumes are reminiscent of 1960s fashion, both in their design and in their choice of fabric prints and plaids. (Spoon Handra, designer) The walk down memory lane of retro fashions is nostalgic and enjoyable.
“Trying” is a fascinating glimpse of the last days of a brilliant, important historical figure. The actors’ spellbinding performances are flawless. This exceptionally well-done show is worth “Trying” to see. No, wait —please don’t just “try”—go see it. You’ll be glad you did.
LTL
Playing at South Park Theatre through September 27, 1801 Brownsville Road, South Park, PA 15129.
